Chapter 71. What is the most efficient way?
Sirius and Andres usually acted separately.
Even when they happened to meet, they maintained a cold atmosphere.
There was no need to let people know about their alliance.
When night fell, they donned their black robes and joined forces, starting their activities as a duo of Black Robes.
There was no need for tactics or plans.
They simply sought out the Black Society organizations that tormented the people, wielded their swords, set fires, and returned.
They didn’t encounter any Alliance executives like they had on their first day, but they still managed to strike down many of those closely affiliated with the Alliance.
Word spread quickly.
People were intrigued by the tales of an unidentified duo who appeared every night to condemn evildoers.
The helpless hoped that the Black Robes would come to their rescue, while the wicked evildoers lived in constant fear of their襲撃.
The southern branch of the Alliance pressed their subordinate organizations to find the Black Robes, but to no avail.
As a result, the Black Society organizations’ activities were inevitably curtailed. The southern branch’s standing also plummeted.
“Of course, this is only temporary.”
Sirius spoke to Andreas in a calm voice as they returned from burning down a bandit stronghold.
“We can’t possibly continue doing this forever.”
“Indeed. We can’t keep getting caught up in this forever. In time, they’ll come up with countermeasures.”
“Ultimately, we need to create a system that can govern the entire south.”
This was an impossible task for Sirius and Andreas alone.
The cooperation of the Southern Union, a gathering of the prestigious families that represented the south, was essential.
“From what I gather, the other clans of the Southern Union are also monitoring the current situation. However, most of them seem to think it’s just an internal conflict within the Black Societies.”
“That’s understandable. We can think about that later.”
“Yes, for now, our priority is to bring down the southern branch of the Alliance.”
In the end, they had to topple the southern branch.
However, they had yet to find any significant leads.
It seemed that the executives had tightened security after learning of Pasaria’s assassination.
Unlike the eastern branch, they didn’t seem to have a fixed headquarters, so… there had been no significant progress.
“It seems they’re being quite cautious of us… Is there any way to get around that?”
“How about we throw them some bait?”
“Bait?”
Sirius spoke in a composed voice.
“We send them a notice. We tell them where we’ll be attacking next, so they can be prepared.”
“That’s a crazy idea.”
Andreas sighed.
“Let’s do it.”
* * *
“These fools are mocking us.”
Clack.
The man with the crimson mask ground his teeth.
He was the ‘Branch Chief’ in charge of the entire southern branch, a disciple of the Blazing Emperor, one of the Alliance’s most formidable figures.
“How dare they send us a notice?”
The Branch Chief held a letter in his hand.
He had received it at the Yurkel Money莊 this morning.
Yurkel Battlefield specializes in loan sharking and is one of the main sources of funding for the Southern Branch.
But then, a letter arrived stating that Yurkel Battlefield would be attacked.
“Of all places, Yurkel Battlefield…”
“Branch Manager, I think we should move the money for now.”
A man in a blue mask spoke in a curt voice.
He was the Branch Manager’s adjutant.
“If they set fire to Yurkel Battlefield, the losses will be severe.”
“Right. Even without that, the Southern Branch has taken a big hit since Francis died…”
Francis Chamber of Commerce was also one of the main sources of funding for the Southern Branch.
But with Francis dead, the entire Francis Chamber of Commerce was in turmoil.
Meanwhile, the ‘Cheonrangpyoguk’ advancing from the East was actively soliciting Southern merchants…making the blow even harder.
“We have to move the money for now. As quietly as possible.”
“Yes, because we can’t let it be known that we’re moving the money because of their threats.”
Even without that, the Alliance’s prestige is faltering.
That’s because they’ve been unable to deal properly with the unidentified duo.
In the Southern region, the Alliance controls even small-scale organizations.
They regularly extort protection money, but they haven’t been able to catch the unidentified duo…so discontent is bound to grow.
In that situation, if it became known that they were moving funds out of fear of an attack?
The Southern Branch’s reputation would hit rock bottom.
“After we move the money, we should deploy enough troops to Yurkel Battlefield.”
“Wait, if we deploy too many, the enemy might get scared and not show up.”
“Sir? Wouldn’t it be better if they didn’t show up?”
“What are you talking about? We have to catch them this time.”
“Ah…!”
The Branch Manager spoke through gritted teeth.
“So, we’ll only deploy a small, elite force. When they let their guard down and approach, we’ll capture them.”
“But, Branch Manager…”
The man in the blue mask said carefully.
“They’re elusive. If things don’t go our way, they’ll just run away. With only a small force, capturing them…”
“I have an idea.”
“Sir?”
“We’ll ask that person for help.”
“Surely not…”
The Branch Manager said with a reluctant expression.
“Let’s go to the former Branch Manager.”
* * *
Before the current Branch Manager was sent to the South by the Alliance.
The Southern Branch Manager at that time was a headache for the Alliance.
He held the title of Branch Manager, but he had never done any real work.
That’s because he prioritized developing his own skills rather than doing his job as Branch Manager.
Because of that, the management of the Southern Black Society was not done, and there were always problems.
The alliance, which could not bear it, eventually replaced the branch manager.
The former branch manager refused to return to the alliance headquarters, expressing his displeasure, and began living in seclusion in the south.
The headquarters sent people several times to bring him back, but he killed everyone who came to find him.
In the end, the alliance headquarters gave up on making him return.
Since then, the former branch manager continued to stay in the south and live quietly.
“Senior, this is the branch manager.”
The branch manager set foot in the cottage located deep in the mountains.
He had visited several times during that time, so he entered without hesitation.
“Senior, are you not here?”
The branch manager looked around the cottage.
No one was there since he had gone out.
“What’s the matter, young one?”
“……!”
The branch manager was startled by the voice that suddenly came from behind him.
There was no sign of him, but a man was standing there with his back turned, carrying a load.
He was a gray-haired man with sharp eyes.
At first glance, it was difficult to tell his age, but he was actually close to being an old man.
He had an ominous atmosphere overall, so he was a man who deserved the title of ‘weirdo.’
“Are you here to give me this month’s salary?”
“What salary when you don’t even work….”
“Have you forgotten the favor I did for you four years ago when I wiped out the Shalelyon gang?”
“That favor has already been repaid. Didn’t I give you enough money to live comfortably for five years?”
“I spent it all in five days.”
“Don’t lie.”
The branch manager sighed.
My mind gets tired when I’m talking to this eccentric person.
“There’s something I need your help with.”
“Do you want me to get the Red Flame Grass?”
“…….”
Red Flame Grass.
It was a herb that the Southern Branch was looking for to offer to the Salt Master.
However, it was such a rare herb that they had not yet obtained a single root.
“We’ll take care of that.”
“Then what is it?”
“Mysterious strangers are threatening the Southern Branch. Please catch them.”
“What kind of guys are they?”
“They’re a duo who appear every night, attack the Black Society organization, and set fire to it. Our executives were also affected.”
“They’re crazy.”
You’re just as crazy as they are.
After swallowing his words, the branch manager continued.
“We’ve figured out where those bastards will strike next tonight. But…”
“I’m guessing you’re planning to wait in ambush with overwhelming force, so the bastards will just run away with their tails between their legs. You want to have a few people like me on standby, is that it?”
“Yes, that’s right. Someone of your seniority would be able to chase down and catch those elusive bastards, wouldn’t you?”
“Well, I suppose so.”
The branch manager was being so humble because this eccentric is so skilled.
He may not be as good as Yeom Je, the branch manager’s superior and teacher… but he’s right below him in rank.
“Very well. I suppose it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to sightsee in the city.”
“Thank you…!”
The branch manager led the eccentric away, treating him with the utmost respect.
He may have an odd personality, but he’s surprisingly cooperative when you ask him for help.
Only when it’s something that interests him, though.
Judging by the fact that he wants to be called ‘senior’… he might actually be the type to look after his juniors.
Knowing this, the branch manager maintained a cordial relationship with the eccentric by treating him with respect.
“Is that Yeom Je fellow doing well?”
“Yeom Je fellow, is it? That’s a bit disrespectful.”
“So you want me to call him ‘His Majesty Yeom Je’ every time?”
“I don’t really know. I’ve never met him in person.”
“That guy must be getting desperate lately. Coming all this way to look for the Red Lotus now.”
“……”
As they chatted, they descended the mountain.
They boarded a carriage and headed for the city where the Yurkel Battlefield was located.
“This place has changed a lot.”
“When was the last time you visited?”
“Ten years ago, I think?”
“That was a long time ago.”
The Yurkel Battlefield was located in the center of the city.
There were many businesses in the area that stayed open late, so it wasn’t very dark even at night.
“It probably looks the same as usual on the surface. But there are skilled people stationed all over the place.”
“Hmm…”
“We’re going to let them show themselves and then attack all at once. You’ll join the fight then, Senior.”
“Let them show themselves?”
The eccentric looked around and chuckled.
“I hear they set fires wherever they go. What if they burn down the Yurkel Battlefield before you can even make a move? That would be quite the disaster.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve moved everything of value to a safe location, safes and all. There’s no risk of the banknotes or certificates burning.”
“What?”
The eccentric’s expression suddenly darkened.
“You moved everything? The safes too?”
“Yes. It was probably completed a few hours ago.”
“Where did you move it? Which direction?”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Tsk, tsk… What a fool.”
The strange man clicked his tongue.
“If their goal is to deal a blow to the Southern Branch, what would be the most effective way to do it?”
“Yes?”
“Would it be more effective to attack an empty battlefield, or to attack a vault that has been moved outside the battlefield?”
From Noble mtl dot com
“……!”
Looking at the branch manager who was wide-eyed, the strange man gave him a pathetic look.
“Quickly tell me which way the vault was sent! I will pursue it!”